2003 Focus with 280,000 good first car?

[MrReece1997]

Hey guys, I just signed up because I'm currently looking for a first car and I've come across a nice green 2003 Ford Focus sedan on gumtree with 280,000kms for $2500, it's been on gumtree for a little while now.

It has just had a full service, oil plugs, coolant, new radiator hose and rocker cover gasket, it has 15 inch CSA mags, a nice new pioneer CD player and 2 months rego remaining.

I'm not too sure whether a Focus would be a good first car, my budget is up to $4000 but I'd prefer to spend under $3000.

What do you guys think?

[ronnas07]

I would say too many kms mate, but if it has a full service history and runs well at least you can use the kms as a bargaining tool and get it down to $2k. Possibly selling before rego up because something costly is in need of repair. Best bet is to go have a look, take your old man or a mechanically minded person. Good luck

[MrReece1997]

Originally Posted by ronnas07

I would say too many kms mate, but if it has a full service history and runs well at least you can use the kms as a bargaining tool and get it down to $2k. Possibly selling before rego up because something costly is in need of repair. Best bet is to go have a look, take your old man or a mechanically minded person. Good luck

Yeah I was thinking too many kms, but then I figured highway kms which do less wear and tear on parts.

Yeah, it seems cheap compared to others I've seen but that's probably just due to the high kms and low rego, I'd take my Dad with me if I end up going to look at it.

The Focus seems like a nice little car, are the older ones in auto reliable?

[DZFord]

Also remember to check when the timing belt is due, at that many km's it may be coming up to it's second timing belt, which may be anywhere from a $500 - $1200 job depending on where you go / who is doing it.

[MrReece1997]

Originally Posted by DZFord

Also remember to check when the timing belt is due, at that many km's it may be coming up to it's second timing belt, which may be anywhere from a $500 - $1200 job depending on where you go / who is doing it.

We would most likely do it at home, my Dad would do it for me.

Would it be something easy to DIY?

[MrReece1997]

Also the owner said he thinks it has a passenger airbag which from my research means it would also have ABS is this correct?

It has no power windows though but I don't mind too much.

[DZFord]

Originally Posted by MrReece1997

We would most likely do it at home, my Dad would do it for me.

Would it be something easy to DIY?

Not an easy DIY job, but definitely possible if your dad has decent mechanical ability and the know-how!